Christians must influence governance for success — Ibukun Awosika

Mrs. Ibukun Awosika, Chairperson of the Chair Centre and co-founder of the Afterschool Graduate Development Centre, has called on Christians to recognize their vital role in shaping Nigeria’s future. Speaking at Foursquare’s 11th Annual Public Lecture last Tuesday, Awosika emphasized the need for Christian leaders to use their influence in government and public offices to drive meaningful change, noting that Christians make up roughly 50% of the nation’s population.

In her lecture titled “Leadership in Nigeria and its Impact on the Next Generation,” she stressed, “If Nigeria fails, then all Christians have failed,” urging Christians to reflect on their responsibilities in leadership. She added, “If we fail in our duties of good representation, it’s because we failed in our obligation to influence for God.”

Awosika pointed out a critical flaw in the country’s leadership structure, stating that “our value chain for leadership as a country is broken.” She explained that leaders are not born into their roles but are shaped by the values instilled in them throughout their lives. “Nobody became a governor the day he was born,” she remarked, highlighting the importance of nurturing strong values in future leaders.

In a cautionary note, she warned, “The children you do not educate will visit your mansions with guns at night,” underscoring the urgency of addressing leadership development to avoid dire consequences.

Awosika also emphasized that Nigeria’s challenges are structural and cannot be resolved from a single point. Effective leadership, she argued, requires collective action and proactive engagement.

Rev’d Sam Aboyeji, General Overseer of Foursquare Church in Nigeria, expressed gratitude to the lecture’s organizers and special guests, including Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji and Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by Mrs. Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin.

Rev’d Aboyeji reflected on the importance of strong leadership, noting that the success or failure of any institution is determined by the quality of its leadership. He highlighted that the next generation, which makes up about 70% of Nigeria’s population, faces many challenges, including stereotypes and misconceptions, leading many youths to seek opportunities abroad.

He stressed the need for intentional leadership that models selflessness and impact for the next generation, quoting Simon Sinek’s words: “Leadership is not about the next election, it is about the next generation.” Rev’d Aboyeji also highlighted the church’s efforts to actively involve young people in leadership roles, preparing them for meaningful influence within the church and beyond.